Craps Strategy: Master the Essential Pass Line Bet

The roll of the dice marks one of the most dramatic moments in casino gaming – the come-out roll in craps.

Introduction to Craps

Amid a sea of complex wagers spread across the felt layout, the Pass Line bet forms the foundation of every shooter’s strategy. It carries a low house edge of just 1.41% and simple rules that both newcomers and seasoned players can follow, making it the easiest way to join in the fast-paced action around the table.

Historical Context

Craps evolved from the 19th-century English game of hazard into the fast-moving casino staple we know today, with the Pass Line bet still at its core.

On modern casino floors, multiple craps tables often run at once, and industry insiders estimate that around 60–70% of all wagers are placed on the Pass Line. Regulated casinos follow strict rules and standardised layouts, meaning the experience is consistent whether you’re in Las Vegas, London, or Macau.

The Pass Line section is prominently positioned at the front of each player’s area, underscoring its importance. Major casino brands such as Bally’s e Hollywood Casino feature this bet as the entry point to the game in their official guides.

Understanding Pass Line Mechanics

The Pass Line bet begins with the come-out roll – the very first roll in a new round. All wagers must be placed before the shooter releases the dice.

On the come-out roll, there are three possible outcomes: a natural win with a 7 or 11; an immediate loss with 2, 3, or 12 (known as “craps”); or a “point” being set if any of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 is rolled.

Once a point is set, the aim is for the shooter to roll that same number again before rolling a 7. The simplicity of this bet makes it ideal for beginners, but the suspense during point rounds also appeals to experienced players. Industry figures suggest roughly 60% of points are made before a 7 appears.

House Edge and Odds

Pass Line bets pay even money (1:1), so a £10 stake returns £10 plus your original bet. Behind that simplicity is a house edge of only 1.41% – meaning the casino expects to keep £1.41 for every £100 wagered over time. That’s far lower than the 5–15% edge typical of slot machines and better than the 2% or so on many blackjack games.

This is why many players base their entire craps strategy on the Pass Line, often adding the “free odds” bet to further reduce the house advantage. Systems such as the 3-Point Molly build on the Pass Line by combining it with Come bets for more action.

Despite its favourable odds, variance can still cause losing streaks. Experts recommend having at least 10 times your average bet for a full session to handle swings comfortably.

The atmosphere around a busy craps table – with multiple Pass Line bettors cheering the shooter on – is part of the game’s charm. While the bet is player-friendly, the sheer number of wagers placed each hour still ensures the game is a strong earner for casinos.

Expert Analysis

Gaming mathematician Michael Shackleford calculates the Pass Line’s house edge at exactly 1.41%. While no even-money casino bet is truly “fair,” this one comes very close.

Dealers often advise newcomers to master the Pass Line before exploring more complex side bets. “Mastering the Pass Line gives players a solid foundation,” says Las Vegas dealer Marcus Johnson. “It’s the gateway to enjoying craps without getting overwhelmed.”

The Pass Line remains a feature of every live and digital craps variant. Online versions preserve the classic mechanics while adding conveniences like automated payouts and bet tracking.

Technology may enhance the experience, but the fundamentals haven’t changed: strong odds, straightforward rules, and the shared excitement of chasing the point ensure the Pass Line remains the heart of the game. Whether in a glitzy resort or a small local venue, this bet will continue drawing players to the dice table for years to come.